RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc Presents: Ask the Appraiser

Jon, we very much enjoy reading this column each week in our newspaper. It is quite amazing to see the interesting things people have. The item that I’m requesting your expertise about is something a bit out of the ordinary. In fact, my wife told me not to bother you with it. Her father worked for NBC for over 40 years, starting there in 1940. He worked for many years on the Johnny Carson Show and supposedly that is where this microphone came from. The microphone I’ve sent you pictures of was actually his. It had been on his desk for as long as I can remember. Recently a local neighbor saw it and really wants to buy it. He has offered us $300.00 dollars for it. In addition, our handyman also wishes to buy it. You can’t make this kind of stuff up! Up until now we never paid any attention to it. Now it seems everybody that walks into our house is asking us about it. This is why we need you. We truly know nothing about its value if any. Perhaps you would be kind enough to enlighten us with some information about it. Should we sell it? I assure you we will take your advice.

Thomas in Haworth, New Jersey

You’re in possession of a classic RCA 77DX “Ribbon” microphone. Also known as the “Pill Capsule.” I have owned several over the years but none in the last five years and none quite as nice as yours. This microphone was first sold in 1933 as the RCA 77A. Your microphone is screaming Art Deco style and is finished in satin chrome with a low gloss umber, grey enamel. The reason for the low gloss finish is that this microphone was used for television, with the low gloss finish eliminating glaring reflections usually seen on high polished microphones. If you look at the extreme bottom of this microphone you will notice a screwdriver switch that selects low frequency equalization. This allows the microphone to be utilized for close talking without a “muddy” effect in the sound quality. In short, for a cleaner sound. Remember back to the “Golden Age of Television?” All of the three major networks used this RCA 77D microphone in all phases of production. Back in that time period NBC was owned by RCA. NBC naturally would only use RCA microphones and other RCA equipment. The long succession of Tonight Show hosts had a microphone just like the one you own on their desks, even to the early years of Johnny Carson. Perhaps this might be the place your father-in-law got this microphone in the first place. To be brief, you own a classic microphone used by many of the great people in entertainment. From Edward R. Morrow to Red Skelton. Of course, we all remember the RCA microphone used on the Larry King Show. Every interview he conducted; there it was. The RCA series of “Ribbon” microphones had an incredible impact on the audio industry and is still sought after today for use in recording brass instruments. The last one that I sold was to a person that needed this type of microphone for that very reason. Now to address your question regarding selling this item. I would suggest you do not sell this extremely desirable microphone for the amount you were offered, because the value of your RCA microphone currently is $3,000 USD. Tell the interested party offering you $300 to add another zero on the end. I’m glad I was able to assist you and happy to know you enjoy reading this column each week.